Joel and Gareth lead the Striders out
By Hilary Humphreys
With the running season now in full swing, members of Seaford Striders have once again been taking part in local races and setting personal bests (PBs). Thirteen Seaford Striders travelled to Haywards Heath on Sunday to run a 10-mile race in what was unseasonal Bank Holiday weather, being mild and sunny and with near ideal race conditions, PBs were on the cards and were certainly achieved.
The race started on the High Street with runners going through the park before heading off on a two-loop route using the roads, paths, trails and footpaths in and around Haywards Heath. Much of the route is off-road and mainly traffic free, with the participants returning to Victoria Park for the finish.
A fairly new runner with Striders, Joel Eaton took the honour of being the first Strider over the line in a time of 1:04.10. It was still a case of ‘if only’ because although an extremely good time, it was slower than Joel had hoped for as sadly he and a number of other runners missed a crucial sign and had to retrace their steps before continuing the race.
Joel was eventually followed across the line by the ever-dependable Gareth Hutchinson, in 1:04:34. Another new Strider, Ed Tuckley was hard on their heels, making it home in an impressive PB time of 1:07:52, with an ever-improving Luke Borland not far behind, finishing in another PB time of 1:08:27.
Ben Shorer showed the benefit of his club training sessions finishing in 1:17:09, directly in front of the first female Strider, Emily Eaton who came home in a cracking time of 1:17:10. Another new face to Striders, Dave Freeman made his inaugural run for the club in a very promising 1:20:27.
Solid performances followed from Neil Harrison, 1:23:23; Anna Norman, 1:26:55; Kristiane Sherry, 1:30:18; Hilary Humphreys 1:31:49; Claire Keith, 1:34:58, and Emma Goodwin, 1:43:09.
Congrats to all who took part!
The Haywards Heath 10 was both a Sussex Grand Prix and Club Grand Prix race. Click here for the current Club standings.